How to Become A Communications Officer (Dispatcher)

Qualifications

• What qualifications do I need to be considered for employment as a Communications Officer (Dispatcher)
  • At least 18 years of age and a U.S. Citizen
  • Graduation from high school or high school equivalency
  • Minimum typing speed of 35wpm
• Special requirements
  • Must meet and maintain all Stafford County Sheriff’s Office and the State Criminal Justice System training and education
• Automatic Disqualifiers
  • Conviction of any felony
  • Conviction of any misdemeanor that reflects moral turpitude or a tendency to disregard the law
  • Conviction for DUI related offense within five years of application
  • Conviction for two or more DUI and/or reckless driving offenses
  • Any conviction for reckless driving, hit and run, or other serious traffic offense within 24 months
  • Two or more moving violations within 12 months
  • Criminal Activity (Narcotics/Substance Abuse)
  • No marijuana usage within the previous 6 months
  • Drug usage (other than marijuana) will be considered on an individual basis but must not have occurred within the past 5 years

Hiring Process

The hiring process for a position with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office takes approximately three months after the submission of an application.

Applicants must successfully complete the following steps:

• Online application submission.
• Online CritiCall test.
• Review of Stafford County Sheriff’s Office personal history statement.
• Panel interview.
• Conditional offer of employment.
• Polygraph exam.
• Background investigation.
• Contingent offer of employment.
• Medical Examination.
• Psychological examination.

Failing to keep an appointment in the selection process without notifying the Professional Standards Division can lead to automatic disqualification.

Training

As a Communications Officer with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, you will be provided all of the training you need to proficiently do the job. Training begins with an in-house academy that is taught by our Training Coordinator and lasts approximately two months. Our Communications Officers also attend the Communications Basic course at the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy. Over a period of 18-24 months, you will receive the following certifications: DCJS Communications Basic, the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN), Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD), CPR, NIMS, and ProQA. During the training period, Communications Officers work alongside multiple Communications Training Officers, across multiple shifts, to successfully teach them to become independent dispatchers.

Tips for Success  -

• Be sure to fill out the Personal History Statement (PHS) completely
• Do not omit, falsify, minimize anything on your PHS
• Show up to appointments on time
• Respond to emails, phone call, and other communications from our HR in a timely and professional manner
• Dress professionally throughout each stage of the process

Failure to follow these tips may lead to disqualification.